Unit for storing and serving articles such as condiments

ABSTRACT

A unit for storing and serving articles, such as condiments, from containers, which is adaptable for countertop installation. The unit includes a containment section having an upper open end and having a first support post disposed therein. A movable second support post is telescopically connected to the first support post, and has an uppermost position wherein a portion extends above the open end of the containment sections and a lowermost position wherein substantially all of the second support post is within the containment section. Collar-like and bushing-like sections are connected to the posts to serve as means for maintaining the second support post in either the uppermost position or in the lowermost position thereof. Container holding means is connected to the second support post for holding containers in position. When the articles are to be stored, the second support post is lowered into its lowermost position which lowers the containers containing the articles within the containment section. When the articles are to be served, the second support post is telescoped to its uppermost position and latched in position. Thus, the containers are accessible to the server.

[ 51 July 25, 1972 3/1934 Gilbert...............................287/58CT FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 890 GreatBritain.........................211/129 ABSTRACT Primary ExaminerRoy D.Frazier Assistant Examiner-Abraham Frankel Attorney-James R. Hoatson, Ir. and Ronald H. Hausch A unit for storing and serving articles, such ascondiments, from containers, which is adaptable for countertopinstallation. The unit includes a containment section having an upperopen end and having a first support post disposed therein. A movablesecond support post is telescopically connected to the first supportpost, and has an uppermost position wherein a portion extends above theopen end of the containment sections and a lowermost position whereinsubstantially all of the second support post is within the containmentsection. Collarlike and bushing-like sections are connected to the poststo serve as means for maintaining the second support post in either theuppermost position or in the lowermost position 62/381,21 l/78, 3l2/l28O United States Patent Aurtemma [54] UNIT FOR STORING AND SERVINGARTICLES SUCH AS CONDIMENTS [72] Inventor: Nicholas A. Aurtemma, Miami,Fla.

[73] Assignee: Universal Oil Products Company, Des

Plaines, Ill.

[22] Filed: Nov. 6, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 87,392

US. Cl............................ 312/312,

A 2ll/l29,2ll/l66, 237/58 CT,

Field ofSearch.........4............2l 1/80, 78

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS mmmm mmm m .n.m o c mtt she mdtrn h 6 606 n p ICW O hos CU fnS WSeee d .mhdT Ci m .E CID-OD" r nd nt wHOfl xM .I opw m po F n t t g .1. Sr. n i um on i SISCHDZII. W n wep e aa v r. lnom e mol hfl D whm m 6 g Ct aC l .m c mw Jm d hw e m lint n 0the 8 m hMdoh k l fO u t -D C ehm mnimim 6 rtowmduh mo te tf VO nt sw pm0m o m fiflee.wbm o rwo S oa mo fD-SO Lee mw memmwflm tscimaum XXTTXXX XUU1CCU49HU U 688 7 U B55 H/3 2 8 7 11 5 y4ooool ny 122 22 3m 3 CohnEmerson............i...........

a n m mum 0 0 8M mp m mnS [0 o n aP uwe wai LSB SRH 5229 96 72 6534670033 9999988999 1111111111.. wwwwwwwwww 42469 6 35 33009267440 nu 7 2 3 30 4 8 0 8693942 32 7060000 4988 6 8 4 9 2390 8 32 22 2 PATENTEDJuL2sI972 SHEET 1 [IF 3 rmmmmzs I912 3.679.065

Figure 5 N 1 EN 70 R-' Nicholas A. Aur/emma 5 pg pu g.

PATENTiflJuLasmz SHEET 3 BF 3 Figure Figure Ei----i A UNIT FOR STORINGAND SERVING ARTICLES SUCH AS CONDIMENTS The present invention relates toa unit for storing and ser'ving articles such as condiments. The unit isparticularly adaptable for use in placement into countertops, movablecarts, bars, and other types of serving counters where there is thefrequent handling and serving of foods or beverages requiring the use ofcondiments or the like.

One of the major industries having use for such a unit is thetransportation industry, and particularly the airline branch of thatindustry, where the serving of foods and beverages is carried on inrelatively short periods of time and within relatively confined areas,and condiments are required as a supplement to these foods andbeverages. In the past, it has been particularly difficult to handle theserving of condiments in a moving airline because of the narrow aislesand the motions of the plane itself. The serving of foods and beveragesusually requires the use of condiments and generally requires the serverto use two hands. Consequently, it is desirable to have the condimentsin an accessible location and in one which does not take up much room ifthe server is using a movable cart. It is also desirable to provide aplace where the condiments can be stored readily.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide for a unit forstoring and serving articles, such as condiments.

More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide for aunit for serving articles from a plurality of containers which may bereadily stored away and which may be installed into a countertop or intothe top of a movable cart.

It is another object of this invention to provide for such a unit thatwill prevent the entrance or spillage of food particles into the hollowareas of the unit.

In one of its many broad aspects, the present invention provides for aunit for storing and serving articles from containers which comprises incombination: a hollow containment section having an upper open end; afirst support post within said containment section and disposedperpendicularly to said open end; a movable second support posttelescopically connected to said first support post, said second supportpost having an uppermost position wherein a portion thereof extendsabove the open end of said containment section and having a lowermostposition wherein a substantial portion of said second support post iswithin said containment section; means connected to said support postsfor maintaining said second support post in the uppennost positionthereof; means connected to said support posts for maintaining saidsecond support post in the lowermost position thereof; and, containerholding means connected to the second support post for holding thecontainers in position, said container holding means being sized to fitwithin said containment section when the second support post is in thelowermost position thereof.

In utilizing this unit, a suitable size opening will generally beprovided in a counter or cart top for insertion of the containmentsection therein. The upper open end of the containment section will thenbe approximately flush with the countertop. Preferably, the firstsupport post is of a tubular form and the second support post is of atubular form coaxially disposed around and spaced from the first supportpost to form an annular space therebetween. Bushing-like and collar-likesections are provided within the annular space to support and guide thesecond support post about the first support post. These sections alsoestablish the means for maintaining the second support post in thelowermost and uppermost positions.

The container holding means usually will comprise a plurality of spacedapart sections connected to the second support post, each of thesesections having an opening sized to support the containers which willhold the articles. Preferably, these sections will be rotatablyconnected to the second support post and will have a means adjacent tothe second support post for temporarily locking the sections to preventtheir indiscriminate rotation about the post. A spring means may beprovided in conjunction with the support posts to aid in lifting thesecond support post from its lowermost position and to maintain thesecond support post in both its lowermost and uppermost positions.

Reference to the accompanying drawing and the following descriptionthereof will serve to point out and more fully illustrate the design andconstruction of this invention as well as to assist in further pointingout advantageous features in connection therewith.

FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view of a preferred embodiment of thispresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a full longitudinal section of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2as taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 astaken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the second supportpost showing the bushing-like sections.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second support post as takenalong section line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second support post as takenalong section line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the first supportpost showing the collar-likesections.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first support post as takenalong section line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first support post as takenalong section line 10-10 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 1 l is a plan view of the handle cover of the second support post.

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the handle cover of FIG. 1 1.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the second support post.

FIG. 14 is a partial elevational view of the second support of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal section of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2showing the lowermost position of the second support post.

FIG. 16 is a modification of the collar-like and bushing-like sectionsthat may be used in conjunction with the present invention.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 of the drawing,there is shown the storing and serving unit of this present invention.The unit includes a hollow containment section 3 which may be insertedinto an opening 27 of a countertop or can top 26. The containmentsection 3 has an open end 28 which has a lip portion 25 adapted to restand be supported on the countertop 26. Within the section 3 there isdisposed a first support post 1 which is anchored to alower stabilizersection 4 via fastener 16 and threaded plug 15. For ease in fabricationand ease in utilization, support post I is of a tubular form andpreferably circular in cross section. An upper stabilizer section 5 isused to support and stabilize support post 1. A rubber seal 17 isprovided around the connection of support post 1 and section 5 toprevent spillage of food particles from entering into the lower portion9 of the containment well.

A movable second support post 2 is telescopically connected to supportpost 1. In other words, support post 2 is free to slide verticallyaround support post 1. Of course, to provide this telescopic connectionthe cross section of support post 2 should also be circular. Actually,in this preferred embodiment the two support posts are spaced apart toform an annular space 24 therebetween. A bushing or bushing-like sectionand a collar or collar-like section are provided within this space toaid in guiding and supporting post 2 around the first support post 1.

Support post 2 has an uppermost position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,wherein a substantial portion thereof extends above the open end 28 ofthe containment section 3. Support post 2 has a lowermost position,shown in FIG. 15, wherein a substantial portion of support post 2 iscontained'within the containment section. The bushing-like andcollar-like sections also serve as the means for maintaining supportpost 2 in these two positions.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 for a detailedillustration of these sections. In FIGS. 5 and 6 the second support post2 is shown with a bushing-like section 31 connected to the interior wallthereof. Section 31 serves as a latch for maintaining the support post 2in the uppermost position and in the lowermost position. The innersurface 32 of section 31 will of course contact the outer surface ofsupport post 1 for guiding purposes as shown in FIGS. 3 and 15 of thedrawing. In FIGS. 8, 9, and of the drawing there is shown detailed viewsof support post 1 with two segment-collar-like sections 41 and 40attached to the outer wall of the post 1. Their outer surfaces 21 and 22will of course contact the inner surface of support post 2 for guidingpurposes as shown in FIGS. 3 and of the drawing. Section 41 serves as acatch or dog and is used in conjunction with section 31 for maintainingsupport post 2 in the uppermost position thereof. Section 31 has aportion 33 that extends above the segment-collar-like section 41 throughthe opening 45. Portion 33 in turn has an extension 36 extendingcircumferentially which overlaps the upper surface 42 of section 41 assupport post 2 is rotated when in the uppermost position as shown inFIG. 3. As is seen in FIG. 3, bushing-like section 31 and collar-likesection 41 provide a means whereby the second post 2 may be supported inits uppermost position. The particular shape of these sections shouldnot be limiting upon this present invention for others are contemplated.For example, in FIG. 16 a modification of their shape is illustrated.The bushing-like section 31' has a portion 33' that extends above acollar-like section 41' when post 2' is in its uppermost position.Portion 33' in turn has a circumferentially extending extension 36'.Instead of a horizontal surface, extension 36' is notched to have anoblique Surface 46. The corresponding segment-collar-like section 41'has a surface 42' shaped to mate with surface 46. This particular shapeestablishes a locking-type connection when support post 2' is rotatedinto position around support post 1'.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 again, it is seen that segmentcollar-likesection 40 is somewhat smaller than section 41. Section 40 is sized toclear the bushing-like section 30 located within support post 2. Section30 is segmented to bypass section 40 as post 2 is moved vertically andserves only as a guide means. On the other hand, section 31 cooperateswith section 40 to maintain support post 2 in its lowermost position. Inother words, section 31 has a portion 34 which extends below section 40when post 2 is in the lowermost position. Portion 34 in turn has acircumferentially extending extension 35 that overlaps a part of thelower surface 43 of section 40 as support post 1 is rotated when in itslowermost position as shown in FIG. 15 of the drawing.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the drawing there is shown thecontainer holding means which includes a plurality of spaced apartsections connected to support post 2. Each of these sections has anopening 37 sized to support containers such as open-ended container 70of FIG. 1. These sections are sized to fit within the containmentsection 3 when the second support post 2 is in the lowermost position.Preferably, although not necessarily, sections 20 are rotatablyconnected to support post 2 so that they may be swung into variouspositions as indicated by the dashed line of FIG. 4. Spacers 10 areprovided between the sections 20 for aesthetic purposes as well as ameans to support sections 20 about post 2. To prevent the sections fromrotating at all times, a plunger 55 or other suitable means is locatedadjacent tubular member 2 for temporarily locking the sections toprevent their rotation about post 2. The plungers 55 include a ball 56and a spring 59 biased to force ball 56 against support post 2. Notches57 are provided in support post 2 so that when a section is rotated andthe plunger passes over a notch 57 the ball 56 will be forced into thenotch and thus temporarily lock section 20 in a particular locationaround the support post 2.

A further refinement of this serving and storing unit facilitate theparticular arrangement by which it may be lowered or raised. In otherwords, a compression spring 18 or other suitable spring means isdisposed within the support posts 1 and 2 for exerting a force to liftand maintain the second support post 2 in the uppermost positionthereof. Spring 18 is inserted within support posts 1 and 2 and ismaintained therein by plug 15 and a handle cover 50. The details ofhandle cover 50 are illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawing. Therethe cover 50 is shown with an opening 54 to facilitate grasping thehandle. Lower portion 69 of handle 50 is adapted to slide within theopening of support post 2. Projections 51 are disposed around thecircumference of portion 69 for the connection to the top of supportpost 2. In FIGS. 13 and 14 the top portion of support post 2 isillustrated. On the top are located boot-shaped openings 62 which arespaced apart to correspond with the spacing of projections 51 of handle50. After the spring 18 is inserted within the support posts, the coverhandle 50 is slipped into the top of support member 2 so that theprojections 51 slide through portions 60 of openings 62. The handle 50is then rotated so the projections 51 rotate into portions 61 ofopenings 62. Thereafter they are locked in this position by a set screw52 which is inserted into the threaded hole 49 of handle 50 and screweduntil it is in pressure contact with the end of the support member 2 asshown in FIG. 3.

An O-ring or other suitable sealing means 77 is inserted between thesupport posts 1 and 2 and a nylon washer 53 is inserted between cover 50and the upper section 2 to prevent entrance of spillage into the hollowareas of the mechanism. Of course, other refinements may be made withoutdiverting from the scope of the invention. It is to be noted that thespecific illustrations shown here are illustrative only and anyvariations of structure and proportions should be considered to formpart of the invention insofar as they fall within the spirit and scopeof the claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A unit for storing and serving articles from containers whichcomprises in combination;

a. a hollow containment section having an upper open end;

b. a first longitudinal support post within said containment section anddisposed perpendicular to said open end, said first support post beingpositioned near the periphery of said containment section;

c. a movable second support post telescopically connected to said firstsupport post, said second support post having an uppermost positionwherein a portion thereof extends above the open end of said containmentsection and having a lowermost position wherein a substantial portion ofsaid second support post is within said containment section;

d. means connected to said support posts for maintaining said secondsupport post in the uppermost position thereof;

e. means connected to said support posts for maintaining said secondsupport post in the lowermost position thereof; and,

f. container holding means connected to the second support post forholding containers in position, said container holding means being sizedto fit within said containment section when the second support post isin the lowermost position, said container holding means including aplurality of spaced apart sections connected to the second support post,each of said spaced apart sections having an opening sized to hold andsupport said containers, said spaced apart sections being rotatablyconnected to the second support post.

2. The unit of claim 1 further characterized in that said first supportpost is of a tubular form and in that said second support post is of atubular form coaxially disposed around and spaced from said firstsupport post to form an annular space therebetween and in that there isprovided bushing and collar sections within the annular space.

3. The unit of claim 1 further characterized in that each of said spacedapart sections has a means adjacent to the second support post fortemporarily locking said section to prevent the indiscriminate rotationtherearound.

4. The unit of claim 1 further characterized in that a spring means isprovided in conjunction with said second support post for exerting alift force upon said second support post.

5. The unit of claim 2 further characterized in that the means formaintaining said second support post in the uppermost position includesa segment-collar section connected around said first support post withinthe annular space and a bushing section connected to the interior of thesecond sup port post within the annular space, said bushing sectionhaving a portion that extends above the segment-collar section when thesecond support post is in its uppermost position, said portion having anextension that overlaps a part of the upper surface of thesegment-collar section as the second support post is rotated when in theuppermost position thereof.

6. The unit of claim 2 further characterized in that the means formaintaining said second support post in the lowermost position includesa segment-collar-like section connected around said first support postwithin the annular space and a bushing section connected to the interiorof the second support post within the annular space, said bushingsection having a portion that extends below the segment-collar sectionwhen the second support post is in its lowermost position, said portionhaving an extension that overlaps a part of the lower surface of thesegment-collar section as the second support post is rotated when in thelowermost position thereof.

Q Patent 3 5; 3,67 9,065", 1 i Dated July 25, 1972 Inv ntidrjN-icho'm'sn, Auriemin'a 'J i It is certixied that errm; appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters P atnt are herebycorrected as shown below:

On the title page, th'speHing of the inventor's name ineach instance snou ld v'be-changed 'from Aur"temma"'to --Aur1'emma-n-.

Signe d andsealedthis' 2nd dayfof January 1973.

(SEAL) @Attest:

ZEDWA'RD M.FLETCHER,.JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting OfficerCommissioner of Pat FORM PO-1050 (10-69) USCOMMDC 6 76.; v I Q i U 5.GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE I969 O-36G

1. A unit for storing and serving articles from containers whichcomprises in combination; a. a hollow containment section having anupper open end; b. a first longitudinal support post within saidcontainment section and disposed perpendicular to said open end, saidfirst support post being positioned near the periphery of saidcontainment section; c. a movable second support post telescopicallyconnected to said first support post, said second support post having anuppermost position wherein a portion thereof extends above the open endof said containment section and having a lowermost position wherein asubstantial portion of said second support post is within saidcontainment section; d. means connected to said support posts formaintaining said second support post in the uppermost position thereof;e. means connected to said support posts for maintaining said secondsupport post in the lowermost position thereof; and, f. containerholding means connected to the second support post for holdingcontainers in position, said container holding means being sized to fitwithin said containment section when the second support post is in thelowermost position, said container holding means including a pluralityof spaced apart sections connected to the second support post, each ofsaid spaced apart sections having an opening sized to hold and supportsaid containers, said spaced apart sections being rotatably connected tothe second support post.
 2. The unit of claim 1 further characterized inthat said first support post is of a tubular form and in that saidsecond support post is of a tubular form coaxially disposed around andspaced from said first support post to form an annular spacetherebetween and in that there is provided bushing and collar sectionswithin the annular space.
 3. The unit of claim 1 further characterizedin that each of said spaced apart sections has a means adjacent to thesecond support post for temporarily locking said section to prevent theindiscriminate rotation therearound.
 4. The unit of claim 1 furthercharacterized in that a spring means is provided in conjunction withsaid second support post for exerting a lift force upon said secondsupport post.
 5. The unit of claim 2 further characterized in that themeans for maintaining said second support post in the uppermost positionincludes a segment-collar section connected around said first supportpost within the annular space and a bushing section connected to theinterior of the second support post within the annular space, saidbushing section having a portion that extends above the segment-collarsection when the second support post is in its uppermost position, saidportion having an extension that overlaps a part of the upper surface ofthe segment-collar section as the second support post is rotated when inthe uppermost position thereof.
 6. The unit of claim 2 furthercharacterized in that the means for maintaining said second support postin the lowermost position includes a segment-collar-like sectionconnected around said first support post within the annular space and abushing section connected to the interior of the second support postwIthin the annular space, said bushing section having a portion thatextends below the segment-collar section when the second support post isin its lowermost position, said portion having an extension thatoverlaps a part of the lower surface of the segment-collar section asthe second support post is rotated when in the lowermost positionthereof.